Its origins are from a diverse group of breeds, because the "Sportpony" is not derived from specific bloodlines, but rather is a conformation type, akin to the American Warmblood.

The North American Sportpony Registry has one official breed standard even though they participate in a variety of different disciplines.

They must look and move like a small horse, with the ability to compete in the internationally-recognized disciplines of jumping, dressage, eventing, and combined driving.

The traditional ‘flat-kneed’ movement that is popular in the hunter ring now is not a goal striven for by the Sportpony breed, but it is accepted.

In 1997 the American Warmblood Registry opened registrations for ponies, following the European example, enabling breeders to cater to a specific market.

In 2003, due to the large volume of ponies registered and seeking registration, the North American Sportpony Registry was reopened as an independent organization.

Unlike many breeds, the Sportpony can not be traced back to a specific breeder or stallion because it is not based on bloodline, but on physical type.

The Sportpony should be able to transition from a family-friendly pet safe for young kids to ride on, to being a competitive mount for its adult owners in the show ring.

Ideally, the Sportpony would have the competitive ability and aptitude of its larger relatives, but retain the unflappable pony personality.

In recent years the Sportpony has made a large step out of the 4-H and Pony Club world and into the International stage as the mount of choice for small adult and youth competitors.

[5] In a very different arena of competition, dressage, the American-bred Connemara-Thoroughbred cross gelding Seldom Seen exemplified the abilities of a sport pony.